Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. eyeing grant through Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development

July 19, 2012|By JENNIFER FITCH | waynesboro@herald-mail.com

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WAYNESBORO, Pa. — A nonprofit organization focused on downtown revitalization is asking for the borough’s help in obtaining a two-year grant.

Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. is eyeing an “exit grant” through a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development program. Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. already is part of the program, and the exit grant would provide the final two years of funding.

“It’s a matching grant up to $60,000, which we should have,” said Patrick E. Fleagle, economic development director for Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc.

Matching funds would come from revenue from special events, memberships and sponsorships, Fleagle said Wednesday.

The Borough of Waynesboro actually would receive the grant, and Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. would be the subrecipient, Fleagle said.

A meeting seeking public input on the grant application is scheduled for Aug. 15 at 7:15 p.m. at Waynesboro Borough Hall.

Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger said the Waynesboro Industrial Development Corp. recently contributed $150,000 toward demolition of a split building at 27-29 E. Main St. and creation of a plaza there.

“Unfortunately, the purchase of the buildings cost the whole $150,000,” Hamberger said.

The borough will pursue other grants for the project, Hamberger said.

Early designs of the plaza feature a fountain, seating areas, consolidated parking and landscaping. The project estimate tops $575,000.

Fleagle said Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. is receiving good responses when seeking in-kind donations of labor. It also is considering naming opportunities for aspects of the plaza.